News Blog

Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company is celebrating having been crowned Top City Operator at the UK Bus Awards 2017, in London today.

The company were also awarded the silver in The Bus Operator of the Year category which recognises the ‘best in show’ from winners across the board. Brighton and Hove bus driver, Phil Hadley, was also victorious taking the bronze accolade in the Top National Bus Driver category.

Top City Operator is sponsored by Init Innovations, and recognises companies that provide an outstanding service, embrace technologies and are truly committed to their customers and employees.

Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company continues to see more and more passengers joining them on board. The company has next-stop audio and visual announcements, as well as free WiFi across the entire fleet, and almost all buses have USB charge points at every seat.

They have been at the forefront of innovations to help make bus travel accessible for all and even employ a dedicated accessibility officer. The company’s superstar driver, Phil Hadley, took on tens of thousands of bus drivers nationwide, and was recognised with the bronze award for his achievement in delivering outstanding customer service. Phil gets so many customer compliments, the joke at his local depot is they're no longer counted, but weighed. He said: “The only reason I do what I do is because I want to build a better community to live in.”

The company strives towards making the bus more attractive, reducing delays and emissions, encouraging bus loyalty and over all keeping the city moving.

Mark Yexley, Chairman of the UK Bus Awards, said: “The judges were very impressed with Brighton and Hove’s continued growth, they felt that their dedication to improving the customer experience was outstanding. They also make great use of social media helping to keep their passengers informed throughout the day and evening.”

“We would like to congratulate Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company and Phil on their remarkable success. Well done from everyone at the UK Bus Awards”.

The Top City Operator silver award went to Lothian Buses, and bronze went to Stagecoach Manchester.